2020 Hemp Planting License Deadline Extended To June 1

Helena, MT – The Montana Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline for hemp planting applications for the 2020-growing season to Monday, June 1.

In addition to new applicants, all 2019 licensees are required to renew if interested in growing in 2020. A 2020 hemp grower license is not required to market 2019 crop grown under a valid 2019 license.

The hemp licensing process is two-fold: upon approval of the initial application, eligible applicants will be issued a planting license so they may purchase seed or live plants and plant or propagate hemp. To receive full licensure, the applicant must submit a Planting Report confirming information about the crop(s) that was planted. Successful candidates will be issued the second stage Production license. The Production License allows for the production and harvest of compliant hemp. Planting Reports will be available online beginning late May.

Due to restricted access to obtain fingerprint documentation caused by the pandemic, the department is waiving the requirement for FBI Identity History Summary documentation for all 2020 hemp license applicants and key participants. This does not exempt applicants from the federal requirement of having no prior convictions of felony drug charges in the last 10 years.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the department, visit agr.mt.gov.